With the U.S. Census Bureau releasing its annual update on health insurance coverage and the number of uninsured Americans shortly, Kaiser Family Foundation resources may be helpful. The Foundation and its largest program area, the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured, produce several informational resources that analyze America's health insurance coverage, as well as the policy issues and public opinion regarding the uninsured.

• The Cost of Not Covering the Uninsured Project is an ongoing Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured project that has reported on the consequences of being uninsured, how much the country already spends on care for the uninsured and who is paying, and how much health spending would be for covering the uninsured population.
• The 2003 Annual Employer Health Benefits Survey tracks trends in employer health insurance coverage, the cost of that coverage, and other topical health insurance issues.
• Where Is the Growth in the Uninsured Population Coming From? A series of reports detail information on coverage trends in 2000 and 2001, including a chartbook with 2001 data and observations on health coverage, and discuss whether the new class of uninsured Americans were from the middle class.
• A policy brief and a fact sheet summarize whether being uninsured is a short- or long-term condition for most individuals.
• KCMU has been reporting on the latest state actions regarding Medicaid and SCHIP coverage. With the sluggish economy and states' fiscal crisis, these public health insurance programs are enrolling individuals who otherwise would add to the uninsured rolls at the same time states are taking cost-containment actions within these programs.
• Public Opinion on the Uninsured. Earlier this year Kaiser Health Report featured public responses to questions on the uninsured policy issue and how it ranks among health care priorities.

 The Cost of Not Covering the Uninsured

 2003 Annual Employer Health Benefits Survey

 Where Is the Growth in the Uninsured Population Coming From?

 Is Lack of Coverage a Short- or Long-Term Condition?

 State Fiscal Conditions and Health Coverage: An Update on FY2004 and Beyond

 Are We Holding the Line on Health Coverage for Low-Income Families?